Physical Science
Mr. Verba
Room Number: 255
Voice-mail: 216-485-8100 EXT 8658
E-mail:
Teacher website: http://www.brooklyn.k12.oh.us/olc/teacher.aspx?s=75
Objectives of this Course:
1. To develop critical thinking skills of students.
2. To increase fundamental knowledge of science concepts to prepare students for future science courses and standardized tests.
3. To learn many concepts through inquiry based lessons and labs.
4. To develop life-long learning skills and habits that will assist students in any future course setting.
Topics covered include:
Introduction to Science Energy
Classification of Matter Waves
Atoms and the Periodic Table Electricity and Magnetism
Bonding and Reactions Forces and Motion
The Universe
MATERIALS (Equipment) NEEDED IN CLASS EVERYDAY:
· Writing utensil! Pencil or blue/black pen
· Agenda
· Spiral notebook
· Your mind and imagination.
TEXTBOOK USED: Holt Physical Science with Earth and Space Science
It will serve as a vital resource for success in this class. Students will be given information and introduced to skills needed for implementing this textbook. Textbooks will not leave the classroom; unless they are signed out by the students.
MY Goals:
1. Nurture enthusiasm for science: Help my students see that Science is Fun!
2. Get students involved with Science. Help my students see that Science is not a Spectator Sport!
3. Strengthen any weaknesses students may have to prepare them for the OGT, future coursework, etc.
4. Involve all of my students. I want them to be accountable for learning. They need to know they can’t give up! I want all my students to feel that they can achieve success!
MY ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS OF MY STUDENTS:
1. Bring your equipment to class every day.
YOU ARE EXPECTEDTO COME TO CLASS PREPARED DAILY. THAT MEANS YOU MUST BRING ALL OF YOUR MATERIALS EVERY DAY. FAILURE TO BRING MATERIALS WILL RESULT IN A 10 MINUTE TEACHER DETENTION. DETENTION NO-SHOWS WILL RESULT IN A REFERRAL (TISBIS)!
2. Complete all work on time. Late work will not be accepted.
· If you are absent, it is the sole-responsibility of the student to make-up any and all work missed. Instructional time cannot be made up, so it is therefore imperative to attend class.
· A student may have as many days as was missed to complete work unless other arrangements are made. Students are responsible for acquiring and completing missed work, getting class notes, etc.
· There is a make-up station located in the west wall of my room. This station will have missing work posted with your name on it. Make sure to check this area after an absence!
· If you miss a lab, it must be made up within one week or a zero will be given.
3. Try your hardest. Ask questions!!!! It’s your right!
4. Stay on task! Every minute counts!
5. Pass 2 out of each 3 grading opportunities per semester.
MY BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS OF MY STUDENTS – CLASS RULES
1. Be prompt – All students must be in their seats when the bell rings. Students need to realize that class starts as soon as the bell rings.
2. Be prepared – Students need to come prepared to class every day. Students are expected to have
all the necessary supplies for the day.
*PLEASE NOTE: Failure to meet Expectations 1 and 2 above daily WILL RESULT IN A 10 MINUTE TEACHER DETENTION GIVEN EITHER AFTER SCHOOL OR THE NEXT MORNING AT 7:30 AM.
**FAILURE TO SHOW UP AT THIS DETENTION WILL RESULT IN YOUR NAME BEING SENT TO AN ADMINISTRATOR FOR FURTHER DISCIPLINE.
3. Be polite, courteous and respectful at ALL TIMES to EVERYONE.
Treat others as you want to be treated.
4. Be productive – Class time is valuable. Make every second count! Students will not waste time being off-task. Students will be expected to use class time wisely and appropriately.
5. Participate – Students are expected to participate in class. Students are encouraged to ask questions throughout class. Challenge yourself.
6. Follow the school dress code and rules.
The following will not be tolerated:
o Cell phone use
o Foul, crude and/or disrespectful language
o Food, drink, or candy in the classroom
7. Do not cheat!
8. Listen to directions the first time they are given.
9. Be safe – Obey all lab safety procedures.
If you do not know what something is or what it does, DO NOT TOUCH IT!
10. Remain in your seat until I dismiss you. Then, push your chairs in quietly and exit the room.
(Do not think of getting up and standing by the door before I officially dismiss you!)
MAKE EVERY SECOND COUNT!
Additional Classroom Policies
1. Hall Passes – Three passes will be permitted per quarter. Students will sign out the pass each time.
2. Supplies will not be provided by the instructor!
3. Work from an unexcused absence will not count for credit. Work turned in while serving a suspension can only receive a maximum of 50% credit.
4. I will be assigning seats. The seat I give you is where I want you to sit on a daily basis.
Consequences
1. A verbal warning
2. Detention/parental contact
Detentions will be served immediately that day, after school, or the next morning, in Room 255 and will last for 15 minutes.
If behavior becomes chronic the following steps may be taken:
1. Seat change
2. Teacher referral to an administrator.
3. Removal from classroom
PLEASE NOTE: Severe disruptions or violations will result in removal from class even if the above consequences are not exhausted.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: If the student is an athlete at Brooklyn High School, his/her coach will be contacted.
Grading Procedures:
Grades will be weighted based on the following percentages:
35% - Tests/GOs (Quizzes)
35% - Laboratory/Activities
20% - Interactive Notebook
10% - Participation
TESTS/GOs (GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES)
On the average, quizzes are given once per week. Tests are given after each major topic or unit is covered. Quizzes and tests comprise a major portion of each student’s grade. There will be no surprises! Students are given sufficient notice as to quiz and test dates.
Laboratories/Activities
Labs will be conducted throughout. Students will need to follow directions and complete these labs.
They may be working with others, so cooperation, collaboration and communication will be vital. Formal lab reports may also be required depending on the lab. Additional activities, such as projects,
will also be assigned.
Interactive Notebook
This will include both classwork and homework activities. It will be very organized per my instructions and
directions must be followed to receive maximum credit. A table of contents will be mandatory. This
notebook will be graded periodically (approximately 3 times per quarter). Students must keep their note- book up to date.
*PLEASE NOTE: Students must write assignments in their agenda daily!
Participation
Participation points will be earned throughout the quarter. To earn maximum points students will need to come to class prepared each and every day, be actively engaged in the lessons and display a willingness to contribute to discussions and activities.
Suggestions for Success:
Ø Extra help is available before and after school from 7:30-7:50 AM and 3:15 – 3:45 PM. It may also be available during advisory or by appointment.
Ø
Ø Come prepared to learn every day.
Ø Ask questions! There are no dumb questions.
PASSING FOR THE SEMESTER:
· For the first semester, grades are issues at the end of the 1st Quarter and 2nd Quarter. A Semester Exam is given and a grade earned on this exam. In order to pass the 1st semester, a student must pass at least two of these three grading opportunities.
· For the second semester, grades are issues at the end of the 3rd Quarter and 4th Quarter. A Final Exam is given and a grade earned on this exam. In order to pass the 2nd semester, a student must pass at least two of these three grading opportunities.
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Dear Parent or Guardian:
Please print your name and sign below. Also, have your child print their name and sign. This will indicate to me that you have seen and understand the course requirements and rules. If you have any questions, please contact me at 485-8100 EXT 8658 and I will return your call as soon as possible.
Please tear-off on the dashed lines above and return it by Friday, August 30th.
Sincerely,
Mr. Verba
Parent/Guardian name:________________________________
PARENT/Guardian signature: ___________________________
Student’s name:__________________________________
STUDENT’s signature: _________________________